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| In 2024, a PT scheme for higher-molecular polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) was offered for the first time. Since the number of participants was quite low, the PT scheme will not be offered for the time being. Are you still interested in this interlaboratory comparison? If so, we kindly request you to send us an e-mail. If it turns out that interest in this PT scheme is greater than expected, it will be offered again. We are also looking into whether the range of analytes can be expanded to make the PT scheme more appealing to a larger number of laboratories. |
The new proficiency testing scheme for higher molecular weight PAHs serves as a quality assurance measure for interested laboratories that want to be prepared for a possible expansion of those PAHs prioritised by the EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency) in air samples. For this purpose, air samples are simulated using unlaminated PTFE filters from the manufacturer SKC with a diameter of 37 mm and a pore size of 1 µm as carrier material (article number 225-3705). The following PAHs were selected for the PT scheme:
| PAH | CAS Number |
| Anthanthrene | 191-26-4 |
| Benzo[a]pyrene | 50-32-8 |
| Coronene | 191-07-1 |
| Dibenz[a,h]anthracene | 53-70-3 |
| Dibenzo[a,e]pyrene | 192-65-4 |
| Dibenzo[a,i]pyrene | 189-55-9 |
| Dibenzo[a,h]pyrene | 191-30-0 |
| Dibenzo[a,l]pyrene | 191-30-0 |
| Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene | 193-39-5 |
| 5-Methylchrysene | 3697-24-3 |
The analytes were selected primarily based on carcinogenicity and the availability of standards. The concentrations will lie between 30 and 100 ng per PAH per filter. Internal laboratory methods can be used to process and analyse the filters. Both gas chromatographic and liquid chromatographic methods are suitable [1] [2].
The filters are loaded using an electronic pipette at two different concentration levels. Each participant receives a sample kit comprising:
The filters are sent slightly rolled up in glass vials.
[1] H. Assenmacher-Maiworm, B. Heinrich, D. Breuer, Polycyclische aromatische Kohlenwasserstoffe (PAK), schwerer flüchtig. Kennzahl 8408. IFA-Arbeitsmappe 2018, 01/2018.
[2] NIOSH, PAH in Air by GC-MS SIM: METHOD 5528. NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods, Fifth Edition 2021, Issue 1.
